5 Packing Tips for Traveling With Formal Wear

Traveling with formal wear can be tricky. There’s always the chance of wrinkles, damage, or insufficient space in your luggage. Whether you’re attending a business conference, a wedding, or another formal event, you want to present yourself in pristine attire. Here are five packing tips for traveling with formal wear.

Choosing Your Luggage

The type of luggage you choose affects how well your formal wear travels. A garment bag is the best option for transporting suits, dresses, and delicate outfits. You can hang your clothes on hooks to reduce the likelihood of them developing wrinkles.

A hard-shell suitcase can protect your formal wear if you don’t have a garment bag. These suitcases won’t get squished during travel, keeping your clothes safe from pressure.

Preparing Your Formal Wear

Even if a clothing item looks clean, small spots can become more prominent during travel. It’s best to start with freshly laundered or dry-cleaned pieces. Ironing your clothes before packing is another crucial step. Wrinkles set in more deeply during travel, so starting with smooth, wrinkle-free garments gives you a head start. Consider using a garment steamer for delicate fabrics to avoid direct heat.

Using Packing Aids

Packing aids can be game-changers when transporting formal wear. Packing cubes, for instance, help you organize your suitcase and separate items. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents your formal wear from getting tangled with other clothes.

Garment folders are other useful tools. You can fold your clothes to minimize wrinkles. They come with a folding board to help you pack your clothes neatly.

Layering Techniques

Layering your clothes in your suitcase can prevent wrinkles and save space. Start by placing heavy items, like shoes and toiletries, at the bottom. This creates a flat base and keeps these items from squishing your formal wear.

Next, add your formal wear. If you’re using a garment bag, fold it carefully and place it on top of the heavy items. For suits, lay the jacket flat, then fold the pants around it to cushion and protect both pieces. You can roll or fold dresses with tissue paper, and place the garment on the top of your suitcase contents.

Finally, fill gaps with small items like socks and underwear. They can act as buffers, keeping your formal wear in place and preventing it from shifting during travel. By layering your clothes, you minimize the risk of wrinkles and damage to your formal wear.

Storing Formal Wear During Your Trip

Unpacking during your trip is as important as packing. As soon as you unpack, use the closet in your accommodations to hang your formal wear. This keeps your clothes from wrinkling further and makes them easy to access.

Use the drawers or shelves in your hotel room for items you can’t hang. Lay them flat, and smooth out wrinkles with your hands. Avoid overloading drawers, as this can cause creases in your clothes and make it harder to find what you need.

If you’re attending multiple events during your trip, plan your outfits in advance. This allows you to store less frequently worn items until you need them. Rotating your outfits also gives your clothes a chance to air out and stay fresh.

Now that you know five packing tips for traveling with formal wear, it’s time to plan your outfits for your upcoming events! Our formal dresses store has garments for any gallant occasion, no matter how far you have to travel.